Terry Richard named Saints/Chevron Teacher of the Week

Richard has been teaching for three years in Duson, La. at Charles Burke Elementary

Coming from a business background, Terry Richard never expected himself to become a teacher. But after working with his second-grade daughter on homework, he realized the passion and gratification he received from working with her.

“I even asked myself if I could do this times 20,” said Richard. “In the business field, results can take a long time. But with teaching, it’s instant and you get gratification when you see that the students are learning.”

And he did. Terry Richard has been teaching for three years in Duson, La. at Charles Burke Elementary outside of Lafayette–one year in third-grade, one in fifth, and now one in fourth. He said that he thinks that fourth-grade is going to be his permanent spot despite the struggles inside the classroom.

“Handling the different types of learners can be difficult,” said Richard. “It can take a while to see what makes a child learn.”

Thus far, Richard has thoroughly enjoyed teaching science.

“Science is very hands-on. Science doesn’t have definitive answers,” said Richard. “A formula is a formula. Science allows you to see things in different ways and results can always change.”

Given that Richard has only been teaching for three years, he has won over his students and his classroom very quickly. He was voted teacher of the year in his parish and school both last year.

“These accolades are great,” said Richard. “But the biggest satisfaction was when all 22 of my students passed the LEAP test last year. That means that connections are happening.”